Monday, January 31, 2011

There are likely less than 25 sealed copies of this record in existence.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- A factory-sealed First State copy of The Beatles' famously banned "Butcher Cover" mono LP , Yesterday and Today, without a doubt the Holy Grail of vinyl, is expected to bring $30,000+ when it comes up as part of Heritage Auctions Feb. 18-19 Signature(r) Music & Entertainment Auction.

"There are likely less than 25 sealed copies of this record in existence," said Garry Shrum, Consignment Director for Music & Entertainment Auctions at Heritage, "and that's probably a generous estimate. More than that, we've never seen a copy in such great condition, and we sold a 'Livingston Copy' of the 'Butcher Cover' in 2006 for more than $38,000. That price is, to date, the highest amount ever realized for a piece of wide release, non-autographed vinyl. This may well exceed that."

Many serious collectors of Fab Four memorabilia have diligently searched for even a tattered copy of this rarity, which was pulled from record store shelves in the US almost immediately after its release in 1966, ordered to be destroyed and replaced by the more subdued "Trunk Cover" version. Millions bought the second version, but few managed a copy of the infamous original, let alone one that remained sealed.

"This 'Butcher Cover' is rare enough in and of itself in good condition," said Shrum, "but to have it sealed is mind-boggling. Who has ever bought a Beatles record and not opened it?"

A first press of "Please Please Me" shot to the top of the list, this one with matrix numbers that indicate it was pressed with the first stampers. Two modern soul 45's make the list this week. The self-titled David Bowie test pressing at the #3 spot is an approval copy of the US release that was for producer Mike Vernon.

More on this week's top 5 on Vinyl Record Talk Tuesday 8:00PM Eastern / 5:00PM Pacific on Radio Dentata.

New Vinyl Record Talk Tuesday February 1st 8pm ET/ 5pm PT

Out of the dusty boxes this week we find an uncredited 45 titled "The Ta Ta Song". This must have been put there by the record gods just for Frankie, the goddess of Radio Dentata.

So at some point we'll spin that record, and the Teddy Mack northern 45 we have on auction, plus straight out of swinging 60's London, an amazing ska record about James Bond that will make you grip tight your Walther PPK.

And we cannot let go unnoticed or unmentioned the Northern Soul / Lesbian theme in Ep. 2 of Skins - just who is this "most dangerous show on television" really for?

Join Jane and Norm for all this and the Top 5 auction sales, and more efforts to preserve places at which one or more Beatle did just about any damn thing.

Sixties Music Legends The Chocolate Watchband Releases New Greatest Hits Album

Much to the elation of fans and music critics, the Chocolate Watchband has recorded a new album of their greatest and most popular tunes.

Los Angeles, CA – When discussing legendary psychedelic garage bands of the 1960s, the Chocolate Watchband is at the top of the list. Much to the elation of fans and music critics, this famed sixties group has recorded a new album of their greatest and most popular tunes. Recorded in 2010 at KVP Studio in Santa Clara, CA, the focus on this album was to faithfully reproduce the sound of the Chocolate Watchband in the 60's with the rawness and energy of the originals. Also added were bonus verses and extended track mixes of 13 personal and fan favorites. “The Chocolate Watchband is back on the scene and ready to rock!" says Tim Abbott, guitarist and producer of the album.

"This release is all new recordings from The Chocolate Watchband. I had the privilege of premiering some of these songs on the 2010 Bay Area Garage Band Marathon on KKUP Cupertino. This is an incredible set of vintage garage from one of the true legends of the sixties. With this album, there can no doubt the power of their music still speaks to a whole new generation," says Phil Dirt radio DJ

The goal was to re-create the sound and energy of the sessions with producer Ed Cobb, from the first three Watchband albums that were recorded for Tower Records in 1966, '67, and '68. Electronically reproducing the reverb of the old 'Echo Chamber' from American Recording studio in Studio City, CA, different percussion instruments were added including sleigh bells, tambourines, chimes, temple bells and more exotic instruments like sitars, harpsichords, theremin and bouzouki that gave the original recordings their distinctive sound.

"As the Chocolate Watchband's de facto historian and the producer behind most of their reissue packages, I can state with authority that the Greatest Hits package is as authentically Watchband as any of this singular group's vintage recordings." Alec Palao-Ace Records UK and Associate Producer

The Chocolate Watchband formed in San Jose in 1965. The band's music was described as “a blend of 1960s-style garage and psychedelic rock with a distinguishable ‘Rolling Stones’ San Francisco sound. Produced by Ed Cobb, the group's early music combined the influences of blues with a psychedelic edge that featured terse lyrics and instrumental experimentation. The Chocolate Watchband appeared in the 1967 film 'Riot On Sunset Strip' and the 1968 film 'The Love Ins'. The band released three highly acclaimed LPs from 1967 to 1969 before disbanding in 1970. In 1999, they reunited at the San Diego event 66/99 in San Diego, CA, organized by musician/journalist Mike Stax. They continue to play today at garage rock festivals in Europe as well as the States with Little Steven, The Yardbirds, Love, The Zombies, Bo Diddly, Iggy Pop, the Strawberry Alarm Clock and the Electric Prunes.

Tracks:
1. Expo 2000
2. Gone and Passes By
3. It's All Over Now Baby Blue
4. Are You Gonna' Be There (At The Love-in)
5. No Way Out
6. Misty Lane
7. I Ain't No Miracle Worker
8. Sitting There Standing
9. Sweet Young Thing
10. Don't Need Your Lovin'
11. I'm Not Like Everybody Else
12. Let's Talk About Girls
13. Inner Mystique

I checked their website, I don't think it is being offered on vinyl, which leads me to think, if they were trying to recreate some of the sounds, why not use analog?

Blood & Ink Records has announced the vinyl pressing of FIGURE FOUR's seminal hardcore album, "Suffering The Loss" (2003). Details are still coming together, but the label plans to have the LP out in time for the band's planned reunion at Rain Fest 2011 in late May, if not earlier.

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Vinyl record collectors causing change in some music sales

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ILLDISPOSED: New Album Cover Artwork Unveiled

Danish metal vets ILLDISPOSED will release their new album, 'There Is Light (But It's Not For Me)' on March 25 on Massacre Records. The band recorded the CD at Antfarm Studio in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (MOONSPELL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, GOREFEST, SICK OF IT ALL).

The "There Is Light (But It's Not For Me)" artwork was created by Lasse Hoile, who previously worked with ILLDISPOSED on the "1-800 Vindication" and "Burn Me Wicked" releases.

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Vinyl, alive and kicking

by Brian Tucker

My record player may die on me. It might just need a new motor. Coming home after buying used records from Yellow Dog Discs I sat down to work and spin my purchases – The Psychedelic Furs “Forever Now,” the 1978 “Superman” soundtrack, and Leon Russell’s “Leon Russell and the Shelter People.”

Upon lifting the arm the player wouldn’t spin. I tried again. Nothing. On the third try it spun and I was able to play Russell’s “Stranger in a Strange Land.” Looking back I see the fitting nature of the song title – the presence of vinyl records in the vast digital market today is indeed strange. Today you can find almost as much vinyl as CD’s in both Gravity Records and Yellow Dog Discs.

The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache on a standard playing card!

There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos!

More people use blue toothbrushes, than red ones.

The Beach Boys recorded "Surfin' U.S.A." and "Shutdown" on this day in 1963.

Who's that playing the piano on the "Mad About You" theme? It's Paul Reiser himself..

More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.

A snail can sleep for 3 years. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

THE LAW OF THE LAND:

The law states that more than 3000 sheep cannot be herded down Hollywood Blvd. at any one time. Really? Who counts them?

MUSIC FACTS:

In 1957, Decca Records announced that Bill Haley And His Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" had sold over a million copies in the UK, mostly on 10 inch 78's.

The Beach Boys recorded "Surfin' USA" in 1963, a song that climbed to number three in the US by mid-April. Although it was credited as being composed by Brian Wilson, the tune was a note-for-note cover of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen." Following a lawsuit, Berry was granted writing credit and royalties from the record.

In 1967, The Beatles spent a second day at Knole Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England to complete filming for the ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ promotional video. The film was shot in colour, for the benefit of the US market, since UK television was still broadcasting only in black and white. Taking time out from filming John Lennon bought a 1843 poster from an antiques shop in Surrey which provided him with most the lyrics for The Beatles song ‘Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite’.

In New Orleans, LA in 1970, the Greatful Dead were busted for possession of LSD and barbituates. The event was alleged to be the inspiration for the song "Truckin."

Bigs news back in 1972 - Less than a day after an incident now known as "Bloody Sunday" in which British soldiers killed twelve Irish civil rights demonstrators, Paul McCartney writes and records "Give Ireland Back To The Irish". After some resistance from EMI, the song will finally be released on February 25th, but was immediately banned by the BBC, Radio Luxembourg and the Independent Television Authority. Despite the lack of air-play, the song would reach #1 on the singles charts in the Republic of Ireland and Spain, also climbing to #16 on the UK singles chart and #21 in the US.

The Ohio Players went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with 'Love Rollercoaster.'

In 2009, Dewy Martin, drummer and backing vocalist for Buffalo Springfield on their 1967 hit "For What It's Worth", died from hardening of the arteries at the age of 68.

and in 2010 - Beyoncé set a Grammy record for females when she won six. The six awards were Song Of The Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Contemporary R&B Album. Nobody else got any awards, seems they ran out!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Catch the eye, and ear, of everyone with ION VERTICAL VINYL wall-mountable turntable. VERTICAL VINYL gives you a great way to save surface space in your living room, office or dorm room with its wall-mount design. A fun, new way to experience your records, VERTICAL VINYL will also impress your friends and guests by defying gravity when playing records sideways!

Instantly listen to your music using the built-in speaker with volume control. Play any record you own by choosing between 33 or 45 RPM platter speeds and using the 45 adaptor included with VERTICAL VINYL. VERTICAL VINYL is also battery powered so there are no wires climbing up the wall for a clean, modern appearance. Also acts as a tabletop horizontal record player. For a turntable that's sure to turn heads, look no further than ION VERTICAL VINYL

You can't blame Jerry Keogh for being nostalgic. The poster shop owner is surrounded by rare remnants of the past, which just happen to be wise investments in pop art culture.

By Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald

The modern-day Jerry Keogh would probably not approve of how a young Jerry Keogh began his collection of rare and colourful concert posters as a youth in Edmonton.

Now the owner of Calgary's Heritage Posters, which deals in rare and colourful concert posters, Keogh had a less formal mode of acquiring these items in his youth.

"You would see a poster stapled to a wooden telephone pole," he says. "So you stop and look at the poster and say 'That's great.' And you'd rip it off. That's how I started collecting all these posters. Just ripping them off telephone poles."

As he tells the fabled history of Arhoolie Records, the El Cerrito-based label he founded in 1960, he finds it necessary to mix music with his words. He sits in his small, crowded upstairs office in the back of his record shop Down Home Music on San Pablo Avenue, and splits his attention between a vinyl turntable, a digital database of a near-infinite number of songs and some of his favorite music videos on YouTube.

Punk may have got all the headlines, but reggae proved vital in ending the rift between black and white teenagers and introducing cross-pollination to the charts

Neil Spencer The Observer

It was punk's "summer of hate", 1977, and the required pose was a sneer, a leather jacket and something hacked about – a spiky haircut, a ripped T-shirt, a sawn-off school tie. And, of course, no flares, the despised flag of hippiedom. But at the cold, concrete roots of Britain a very different aesthetic was also in the ascendant, one calling for an oversized tam, dreadlocks and a display of "the red, gold and green", the colours of Rastafari. Flares? Fine!

The two looks represented the different worlds inhabited by young white and black Britain, worlds which a year previously had been remote from each other but which by the summer of 1977 were unexpectedly and often uncomfortably rubbing shoulders.

CHILDREN OF BODOM: Limited-Edition 'Was It Worth It?' Picture-Disc Single Due Next Month

"Was It Worth It?", the new limited-edition 12-inch picture-disc single from Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM, will be made available on February 28 exclusively through U.K.'s What Records. Limited to only 500 copies, it features the following tracks:

"Was It Worth It?" comes off CHILDREN OF BODOM's new album, "Relentless Reckless Forever", which will be released on March 8 via Universal Music.

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Independent retailers get ‘significant boom’ after banner year for vinyl sales

By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer

DAYTON — Vinyl record sales boomed in 2010, and several area independent music retailers are benefitting from the trend.

Vinyl was the fastest-growing music format in an otherwise distressed year, according to data from Nielsen SoundScan. The throwback format increased 14 percent, selling more copies in 2010 than any other year since SoundScan started tracking sales in 1991.

The only real person to be a Pez head was Betsy Ross. (I thought KISS had some made, anyone know?)

In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans!

Humans blink over 10,000,000 times a year!

The fear of vegetables is called Lachanophobia....

A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. I do.....but I'm not telling

And in the great state of New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile. Ya think? And, do they really need a law for this?

and in music

In 1956 - Elvis Presley recorded his immortal version of "Blue Suede Shoes."

On this day in 1961, good ole Buck Owens' debut album was released by Capitol Records.

The Beatles performed live for the last time on the roof of the Apple Building in London in 1969. The performance of "Get Back" was filmed for the movie "Let It Be."

In 1973 - KISS played their first show under their new name at the Popcorn Club in New York. Their old name was Wicked Lester. The band performed 2 sets at the club that night for a crowd of under 10 people.

And if you see Joe Terranova of Danny and the Juniors, wish him a happy birthday! (1941)

Industry Leaders in Mastering, Production, Printing and More Will Tackle The Question: Are Vinyl Records Surpassing All Other Music Formats in the Music Industry Market Today?

On Saturday, March 19, 2011, the SXSW Music Conference will host the panel “Vinyl Records 3.0: Challenges And Rewards,” bringing together six music industry professionals to discuss the current state and future of vinyl records in the marketplace. Within the past five years, vinyl record sales have steadily been on the rise. According to Nielsen Soundscan, 2.2 million units were sold in 2009, marking a 33% increase from the year prior, which was already a landmark for the medium with sales increasing nearly 50% in 2008. However, vinyl record production is a multi-tiered process; independent artists looking to break into the medium for the first time and those labels reacquainting themselves with the process are still faced with a unique set of decisions and challenges. The “3.0” panel will address such concerns by moderating audience questions and discussions throughout the entire event.

Panelists will discuss in detail the initial audio preparation, mastering, submission, manufacturing processes, print and packaging, design aspects and other details required to successfully release an album on vinyl. Emphasis will be placed on staying within budget and on schedule, while creatively expressing the musiciansʼ vision. A complete list of panelists is below. For more information, visit http://www.sxsw.com/ or any of the panelist websites.

Panelists Include:

Oliver Goss, President, Record Pressing (panel moderator)

Oliver Goss has 20+ years of music industry experience, including executive production, promotional event planning, manufacturing, distribution, licensing, legal affairs, marketing, and management. In addition to establishing the independent record label Cosmic Flux Musiq, Goss founded Record Pressing, the first vinyl record manufacturer with Internet presence, and raised the bar in the quality of records released in the U.S. Goss has previously appeared on panels at CMJ, California Lawyers for the Arts and the Vinyl Symposium of the Mission Creek Music & Arts Festival. For more information, visit http://www.recordpressing.com/

Pete Lyman, Co-Owner & Founder, Infrasonic Sound Recording Co

Pete Lyman is the Co-Owner and Principal Mastering Engineer of Infrasonic Sound Recording Company, a CD and vinyl mastering suite in Los Angeles. Lyman broke into the industry studying alongside acclaimed RCA mastering engineer Richard Simpson and has since mastered material for artists like No Age, Best Coast, People Under the Stairs, Shooter Jennings, Ben Harper, Male Bonding and Jason Falkner to name a select few. He is one of the few engineers worldwide equipped to record and master directly to vinyl lacquer, thanks to the unique setup of Infrasonic Soundʼs recording studio and adjacent mastering suite. Lyman is also the recipient of the Shadow Hills Twin Falcon Award for excellence in mastering on the critically acclaimed Nouns (Sub Pop) by No Age. For Lymanʼs complete discography, visit http://www.infrasonicsound.com/

Jennifer Freund, Founder CEO, DoradoPkg

Jennifer Freund is the CEO of DoradoPkg, manufacturers of premium quality album covers, vinyl record jackets, CD and digipak covers, posters, tour books and numerous other music industry packaging and print products. DoradoPkgʼs clients include labels, distributors and independent artists worldwide. Dorado Pkg is a division of Corporate ImpressionsLA Inc., printers and packagers of business and marketing materials. For more information, visit http://www.doradopkg.com/

Steve Sheldon, CEO, General Manager Rainbo Records

Steve Sheldon has spent virtually his entire professional life in manufacturing for the entertainment industry. He started his career in the music business on the production floor of Rainbo Records while attending college in 1971. Sheldon was named CEO & General Manager of Rainbo in 1986 and President in 2003. Along with Jack Brown, founder of Rainbo Records, Steve has led Rainbo from a strictly vinyl record pressing plant in the 70ʼs, to a leading independent cassette manufacturer in the 80ʼs, incorporating compact discs in the 90ʼs and DVDʼs in the early 2000ʼs. For more information, visit http://www.rainborecords.com/

Nina Palmer, Sales, Marketing Manager Ross Elli

Nina Palmer was born into the music industry. Her father designed and manufactured vinyl record pressing equipment. She has been the marketing director of Ross Ellis for 30+ years, and owned her own vinyl pressing company prior to this. For more information, visit http://www.ross-ellis.com/

Jay Millar, Sales and Marketing Manager United Record Pressing

After several years of working at the now defunct Detroit record chain Harmony House, Jay Millar joined PolyGram Records in 1995. Since then, heʼs spent time with BMG (who moved him to NYC), Sony, BMG, and Universal. In 2007, Jay brought his knowledge and passion for vinyl to the industryʼs largest manufacturer, United Record Pressing, where he serves as Sales and Marketing Manager. Jay also runs vinyl reissue label Microfiche Records, with his wife. For more information, visit http://www.urpressing.com/

I would love to attend, I wonder if they could make it interactive via the Net, then they could hear from vinyl record consumers.....

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED are scheduled to release their seventh studio album, 'Unseen,' in late March via Century Media Records. The efffort was once again recorded with longtime producer Tue Madsen (MOONSPELL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, GOREFEST, SICK OF IT ALL) at his Antfarm Studio in Århus, Denmark.

Regarding the "Unseen" cover artwork, THE HAUNTED said, "The artwork design was made by our friend Frode, who also did the art for (2004's) 'rEVOLVEr.' We really like his design aesthetic, and he seems to come up with something unique every single time."

The band will spend the next few months crossing Europe and North America Indie folk stars Iron & Wine will release their new album Kiss Each Other Clean January 25 on Warner Bros. in the U.S. and January 24 on 4AD internationally; right now, you can stream the whole thing at Conan O'Brien's website. And here's hoping the band enjoyed their time off, since they're going to be good and busy for the next few months, touring Europe and North America. We've got their dates below.

As previously reported, a second Lollapalooza music festival is beginning this year in Santiago, Chile. The festival recently announced the two-day event’s headliners, which include The Killers, Jane’s Addiction and Kanye West.

Lollapalooza Chile, taking place at Santiago’s Parque O’Higgins on April 2 and 3, also will feature the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Deftones, Fatboy Slim, The Flaming Lips.......

Panda Bear is the project of Animal Collective member Noah Lennox. Tomboy, his long-awaited fourth album as Panda Bear, and follow-up to Person Pitch, is now complete and will be released on his own
label, Paw Tracks on April 12, 2011. This is one week earlier than the originally announced release date – it was moved up so that the record will be available for Record Store Day on April 16.

Over the past six months or so, Panda Bear has released a series of vinyl singles on different labels.....

Third Man Records is happy to announce the latest in our live show and live LP series, Drive-By Truckers.

In anticipation for their upcoming album, “Go-Go Boots” (out Feb 15th on ATO) and following up from their sold out show at The Cannery Ballroom, the Truckers will be performing a special matinee all ages show here at Third Man Records on this Sunday Jan. 30th that will be recorded direct to analog tape for release as a live LP (and a limited Black & Blue split colored LP for those in attendance).

For this special show at TMR, the Truckers will be joined by David Hood on stage and the show will be a celebration of Southern soul featuring tracks from the new album and some special covers.

Black & Blue split colored LPs of the performance will be available for purchase for attendees after the show and for three days after. Save your ticket! LPs will be available for collection within a month and you will be notified via the Third Man newsletter.

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here's a cute story and a labor of love for one music lover....

A Thrifty Style Music Shop

By Veronica Lake

Collins Music and Thrift Store offers a bit of everything

From the outside looking in you would assume that only musical instruments are sold at this shop, yet once inside you will be surprised at the little of everything that Collins Music and Thrift has for sale.

Owner, Ed Collins, has owned the store since 1986 and has relocated five different times bouncing back and forth from Fairfield to Suisun. The store has been in his current location where since 2007.

Formerly known as Collins Music and Collectibles, Collins changed the name of the business in January of this year to inform potential customers that they are not solely a music shop, but carry many other non-music related products as well. Collins opened the shop 25 years ago after a fellow record store owner complimented his collection of vinyl records.

McALLEN — Orlie Ozuna loves vinyl. After 10 years of collecting vinyl records, and with the help of a friend, Ozuna opened Fall Back Records, which celebrates its one-year anniversary on Feb. 5.

“I had developed a mild addiction to it and I just assumed if I liked it so much, there had to be enough people out there that could make this idea a success,” the McAllen resident said about opening his
business.

He is still excited to look at what each new shipment brings to his store and immediately announces it on his Facebook page. He also shares rare finds that he acquires through hard work and lots of looking around.

But why open a vinyl record store when mp3s are so prevalent in the 21st century digital world?

A group of unicorns is called a blessing - if you believe they exist....

There are more plastic flamingos in the U.S, than real ones!

Certain frogs can be frozen solid then thawed, and continue living. Coool....

Napoleon constructed his battle plans in a sandbox. Hope he didn't have a cat....

In 32 years. there are about 1 billion seconds!

Rice paper does not have any rice in it! No wonder it tastes bad...

In 1958, a band called The Champs released a song called "Tequila," an instrumental that would hit number one in mid-March. The group included sax player Jim Seals and drummer Dash Crofts, who would go on to score several hits in the seventies, including "Summer Breeze" as Seals and Crofts.

In 1962, Warner Brothers Records signed Peter, Paul and Mary to their first recording contract. Their self-titled album would stay in the US Top 10 for ten months, remained in the Top 20 for two years and did not drop off the Hot 100 album chart until three-and-a-half years after its release. Their only single to make it all the way to number 1 was 1969's, Leaving On a Jet Plane, written by John Denver.

In 1966, "I Fought The Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four is released. It will enter the Hot 100 two weeks later and eventually reach #9 during an eight week chart run.

In 1977, Rose Royce, the former backing band for The Temptations, went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Car Wash".

In 1983, Men At Work top the UK and US singles charts with "Down Under" and the UK and US album charts with "Business As Usual". This feat had not been accomplished since Rod Stewart did it in 1971.

In 1996, Country superstar Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist, saying that Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music that year than he did. He was right

In 2005, David Lerchey, a founding member of The Dell-Vikings who reached the Billboard Top 40 with "Come Go With Me" (#4), "Whispering Bells" (#9) and "Cool Shake" (#12), all in 1957, died of cancer the age of 67.

The late David Byron of Uriah Heep was born in 1947. He died February 28, 1985. Man, this brings back the headphone days!

The original vinyl release was a gatefold sleeve, the front of which was designed by Roger Dean

Friday, January 28, 2011

Well, he's done it! Artist and friend in vinyl Daniel Edlen has just announced that VH1 will be displaying his Vinyl Art pieces for the months of February and March, 2011 in their corporate art gallery in New York City! Congrats!! Check it out VH1

a lengthy but compelling look at the physical nature of the music biz:

Music Packaging Today: An Interview with Sarah Robertson and Scott Pollack of A to Z Media

By James Beaudreau

A to Z Media is a small New York City-based company that’s facilitating some of the best music packaging and manufacturing in the world today. I recently sat down with A to Z’s Sarah Robertson and Scott Pollack to discuss the state of physical media in 2011.

James: Tell me a little about the company.

Sarah: I came over from England in May of 1994 and set up the business. There was a need to serve as the conduit between large and impersonal printing and optical media plants, and small-to-medium size music companies........

Neil Young will be presented with the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award on March 27 at the 40th annual Juno Awards in Toronto.

The award goes to a Canadian artist who has made a positive contribution the the country's society through humanitarianism. Young has been involved in social causes most of his career, including Farm Aid and the Bridge School.

Melanie Berry, president and CEO of CARAS, The Juno Awards and MusiCounts, said:

Gladys Horton, the co-founder of hit Motown group The Marvelettes, has died. The singer passed away late on Wednesday (January 26) in a Los Angeles nursing home, according to Spinner.com. She was 66. Horton’s cause of death is unknown, although her son said that she had been recovering from complications from a stroke she suffered last year.

SNAP! CRACKLE! POP! It’s not Rice Crispies, but the sound of a less modern form of music listening, commonly associated with hipster culture and aging parents. We’re talking vinyl. That means record players, scratching, and a distinctness of sound you can’t get on your iPod.

But in a world where the MP3 reigns supreme, has vinyl lost its appeal?
Most vinyl collectors will tell you the sound produced from records has a much better quality; some will call it a simple hobby.

“It’s all about the hunt,” says Richard Campbell, a local vinyl enthusiast. “the feeling you get when you walk into a record shop, it’s a thrilling experience for a collector.”

Defeater's second full-length album, 'Empty Days & Sleepless Nights,' is scheduled for release on March 8th via Bridge Nine Records. This album, the third installment of the conceptual opus that is Defeater (following 2008's 'Travels' & 2009's 'Lost Ground' EP), carries on the narrative songwriting style the band has developed about a family set in post-WWII America. 'Empty Days & Sleepless Nights' traces back to the family setting from Travels, but focuses on the older of the two sons, with the events unfolding through the older sibling's eyes. ED&SL features fourteen tracks: ten of the heaviest and most musically intricate songs Defeater has written to date and four acoustic songs that sound a lot like Rocky Votolato and Ryan Adams.

Check out two songs off of Empty Days & Sleepless Nights by pre-ordering the Dear Father EP, which features one acoustic track ("I Don't Mind") and one heavy track ("Dear Father") from the album now on B9store.com. http://www.b9store.com/defeater Check the store for other deals on beautiful colored vinyl records. This album teaser hits streets on February 8th while the ED&SL full length will be available everywhere on March 8th, 2011.

We started our weekly look at the last real record stores alive—the City Guide’s Wax Nostalgic—in New York City, so this week we're heading to the Midwest to visit the Windy City's eclectic vinyl haven, Dusty Groove America.

Birthed by former radio DJ/record collector Rick Wojcik (and a partner) as an online store in 1996, the shop has since gained an international following for its vast collection.

It happened just a few weeks ago in Arizona, when Eastside Records, a 25-year-old Phoenix institution, shut its doors over New Year's. "It was exactly like High Fidelity, that kind of record store," said Jimmy Eat World singer Jim Adkins, a loyal customer. "It's a bummer. I mean, I get it; it's tough selling physical units now."

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band will tour North America for the first time in about four years, the iconic American musician and his band announced today, January 27.

Besides its planned March start, most details of the 2011 trek are still unknown, such as where it will launch and its expected duration. A press release stated only that the musician will visit "major cities across North America," with dates and ticketing information coming soon.

Vancouver, Canada sludge metal act Ancients has revealed the cover artwork for their upcoming, self-titled debut EP. The artwork was created by Cam Strudwick who is also known for his work with grindcore acts Burning Ghats and Burn In Hell. The EP will to feature two tracks, recorded in separate sessions, and will see its release in early 2011.

Tracklisting

1. Humanist
2. Built to Die

Ancients Guitarist Chris commented on the EP by saying;

"The art is Cam's interpretation of my lyrics and ideas. I'm pretty heavy into crazy ancient religious stuff, secret societies, etc...especially Sumerian creation myths and The Anunnaki and stuff. I Couldnt be any more stoked on the way things are going so far at the shows and we are booked into may with a bunch of killer shows!

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$3,000 in cash discovered in donation of record albums

SEATTLE, WA - There's a story behind every record donated to Bop Street Records.

Surely there should be a limit to the number of times an LP can be repackaged, re-reordered, remastered, issued with bonus tracks, demo tracks, live tracks and so on?

At some point, this postmodern fixation with trying to improve on works of art may well be diluting and even spoiling one of our most wonderful cultural artefacts - the 40-minute long-playing vinyl record.

The constant reissuing of LPs has reached a point of absurdity. Record companies scour their vaults for unreleased tracks, alternative versions and all manner of music that was not deemed suitable for release at the time.

A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off - it dies from starvation!

A hummingbird weighs less than a penny, in case you were wondering....

A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second!

After eating, a housefly regurgitates its food and then eats it again. Mmmmmm....

Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the mornings!

Bingo is the name of the dog on the Cracker Jack box.

The giant squid has the largest eyes in the world.

The male gypsy moth can "smell" the virgin female gypsy moth from 1.8
miles away. Really??

enough of that, now on to the music:

The Beatles song "Dear Prudence" was written about Mia Farrow's sister, Prudence, when she wouldn't come out and play with Mia and the Beatles at a religious retreat in India.

In 1965, the Who perform their debut hit, "I Can't Explain" on the UK music show Ready, Steady, Go!. To project the desired image, the hand-picked audience consists only of teens dressed in the current Mod fashion.

In 1978, rumor has it that, at the request of a fan, Ted Nugent autographed the man's arm with a bowie knife. Cool.....

In 1983, Radio station WDHA, 105.5 in New Jersey claims to be the first US station to play music from a compact disc. Booo! Hissss!!!!

In 1984, despite being banned by Radio 1 and the BBC for its suggestive lyrics, "Relax" by the British dance group Frankie Goes to Hollywood climbs to the top of the UK singles chart. The objectionable words were "Relax, don't do it, when you want to sock it to it, Relax, don't do it, when you want to come". Many other UK commercial radio stations continued to play the record and it stayed at the top for five straight weeks and remained on the chart for a then record forty-two consecutive weeks. Later in the year, the ban would be lifted. Shit, they should have banned the video as well.....

In 1985, forty-six major American recording artists came together at A&M Studios in Hollywood, to record "We Are The World", a song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie. The effort was part of an album called "USA for Africa" and featured Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Willie Nelson, Steve Perry, Ray Charles and others. Those attending the session were asked to "leave your egos at the door."

In 1997, Pat Boone releases an album of Heavy Metal tunes called "In A Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy", a tongue-in-cheek collection of tunes like "Smoke on the Water" and "Stairway to Heaven". When the religious community failed to get the joke, he was dismissed from his Trinity Broadcasting Network program, Gospel America.

In 2005, we lost one of the true talents in rock and roll when legendary Rock drummer and Hall of Fame inductee Jim Capaldi died after a brief fight with stomach cancer. He was 61. Jim is most often remembered as a member of Traffic, with Steve Winwood and Dave Mason.

and if you see them on the street wish a happy birthday to Sara McLachlan (1968) and Joey Fatone Jr. ('N Sync)(1977)

The Grandview Heights Public Library is known for its digital music collection, but now an older format is making a comeback. On Friday, Jan. 21, the library began loaning out a collection of 30 vinyl records to patrons.

"It's kind of funny because we're offering a throwback format ... while moving forward with digital," said Canaan Faulkner, coordinator of adult programs and web content at the library. "We're responding to what our patrons are using."

Chicago rock vets The Smoking Popes announced this week details of their sixth studio album, This Is Only a Test, due out March 15th on Asian Man Records. To coincide with the release they will embark on a spring tour that wraps up with a home city show at Double Door on Sunday, April 3 (tickets are currently on sale here). The band also have two other Chicago area shows lined up: February 19th at Montrose Room in Rosemont and February 25th at Mojoes in Joliet.

Steel Panther are a glam metal band from Los Angeles, California and are mostly known for their profane and humorous lyrics. Formed in 2000, the band has formerly been known as Danger Kitty, Metal Shop and Metal Skool.

The Aldo Nova song "Fantasy" was remade by the band into a faster paced song for the MTV original series Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. The remake was released on iTunes on December 8, 2009 and their album Feel the Steel was released in June of 2009.

In December 2010 their website offered a free download of their new Christmas song "Sexy Santa".

In January 2011 Michael Starr confirmed the songs, "Tigerwoods", "Summertime", "Fuck I Like Drugs", "Supersonic Sex Machine", and "17 Girls In A Row" for the new album in 2011.

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Gibson.com has a wonderful write-up, check it out:

On the Road Again: Why Bands Play Classic Albums Live

By Peter Hodgson

Is it a coincidence that as album sales decline, more bands seem to be playing more concerts in more markets than ever before? Musicians are becoming hip to the fact that their new albums aren’t exactly burning up the charts like they used to, and that, perhaps, their back catalog is worth re-examining. Often this is in the form of a greatest hits tour, but more and more often, popular acts with a decent history under their belts are choosing to play entire classic albums every night, sometimes to mark an anniversary, and sometimes just for the fun of it.

Recent album-oriented tours include Mötley Crüe playing Dr. Feelgood, The Cult playing Love......

GORGUTS: 'From Wisdom To Hate', 'Obscura' Albums To Be Released On Vinyl

War On Music Records has announced the upcoming vinyl release of the GORGUTS albums "From Wisdom To Hate" (2001) and "Obscura" (1998). These records were largely regarded as pioneering works in the technical death metal genre, and set the standard for the decade to follow.

"From Wisdom To Hate" will be made available on LP for the first time ever, limited to 1,000 copies and coming in April. "Obscura" will be issued as a double LP several months later, coinciding with the upcoming CD reissue of the long-out-of-print album.

Norwegian metallers TOMORROW'S OUTLOOK have revealed the tracklist and the final cover art, for their upcoming debut album, '34613.'

The band have released the following statement:

"34613 has been in the works for the past two and a half years, so it feels real good to complete the tracklist with a new song called 'Ice Mountain'. Ice Mountain is about one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. It's about how the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time (1912), struck an iceberg and sank, resulting in the deaths of 1,517 people. I guess you've all figured by now the song is about The RMS Titanic. Graham Bonnet (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ALCATRAZZ, RAINBOW) is upon our request writing the lyrics and he will also handle all vocals. Ice Mountain will not sound that far off something he did back in the days with Alcatrazz and IMPELLITTERI, and it will definitely be one of the highlights on the album. We are really overwhelmed working with one of our all-time favourite singers. Well, while we are waiting for Graham Bonnet to finish this last song, we are putting the final touches on the rest of the album. Right now we're recording some additional vocal harmonies and some additional guitarparts for a few songs. We're getting there, slowly but surely, just like good wine! We will start shopping for labels real soon so stay tuned for more news coming up shortly!"

34613 was recorded on a song-by-song basis (mid 2007 through mid 2010). It was recorded in different locations around the world (Norway, USA, Finland and Germany). All the mixing and mastering was handled by Colin Davis at Imperial Mastering (Pacheco, California).

KISS have plans to enter the studio in March to begin work on a new album that they hope to have out by the end of the year. Guitarist Tommy Thayer spoke to BackstageAxxess.com about the plans during the recent NAMM convention.

Goldmine Magazine is reporting that a record has sold for $125,000. The valuable record? None other than The Beatles, 'Introducing The Beatles,' LP, still sealed.

This was listed as a factory-sealed copy of The Beatles’ 'Introducing The Beatles' first stereo release on Vee-Jay (VGLP 1062), complete with the original $1.99 Alexander’s store label and supposedly the only version like it known to exist.

This is also the most counterfeited record in the business, however, I highly doubt that this is a fake, given the provanance.

But, that is an aweful lot of money, my feeling is that two bidders got way over their heads on this deal and
whether the sale will ultimately go through remains to be seen.

enough of that...
In 1956, Elvis Presley's smash single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies the first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.

On this date in 1967, General Motors began offering an eight-track tape player as an option in their Buick line.

In 1958, Little Richard left Rock and Roll and enrolled in bible school at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. Richard explained that while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing of his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered, so he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to God. During his four years in school, he still had hit records with previously recorded material like "Good Golly Miss Molly". By the time he returned to music in 1962, the British Invasion had started and the best Richard could do was a minor UK hit, "He Got What He Wanted". In 1965, Jimi Hendrix backed him on "I Don't Know What You've Got, But It's Got Me", but the song barely cracked the US Hot 100, topping out at number 92.

Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in 1968. The release came 6 weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.

In 1973, Stevie Wonder scores his second US number one with his twenty-third Top 40 hit, "Superstition."

In 1993, Warner Brothers Records announces that it is releasing rapper Ice-T (real name Tracy Marrow) from his contract due to "creative differences." The previous summer the record company found itself in the middle of controversy over Ice-T's song, "Cop Killer". Marrow would go on to co-star in the police drama, Law and Order in 1999.

CVR Blog Spotlight - Sunshine by Jonathan Edwards

Edwards was forced to record this 1971 hit when one of the tracks recorded near the end of the 1970 sessions, "Please Find Me," was accidentally erased. Instead of redoing that song, he wrote a new one, which was "Sunshine." It was released as a single the following year and quickly became a hit.

There was a lot of controversy about this song when it came out. It was taken by many to be a repudiation of Christianity (check out the lyrics) and a lot of radio stations at the time wouldn't play it.

And Happy Birthday to Mike Patton (Faith No More) 1968 and Nedra Talley (The Ronettes) 1947

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

DEAR JERRY:I grew up in Chester Heights, Pa., but the Top 40 station we listened to was WAMS 1380, from Wilmington, Del.

One instrumental on their early '60s playlist was referred to as “Let's Go Down the River Nile.”

I am trying to put together a collection of tunes from those days, but this “Nile” one has me stumped.

Can you help?
—Mike Scarpini, Philadelphia

DEAR MIKE: You have the right river, but the title has neither invitation nor navigational details. It is simply “River Nile,” by LEROY and His Rockin' Fellers (Cameo 194).

This fine instrumental, “River Nile,” definitely got some spins in the tri-state area where you lived, though it did not make the national charts.

Still, it didn't go completely unnoticed by Billboard. They awarded it three stars, out of a possible four, in their New Singles Reviews for the week October 9, 1961, adding it had “moderate sales potential.”

Surprising to collectors is how rare this recording is, in any configuration, and that no one has seen a commercial Cameo (red and black label) copy, despite being a regional hit in a populous area. Only black-and-white (promotional) copies are known.

Curious about the story behind this, I wanted to locate either LeRoy or one of his Rockin' Fellers.

Thanks to some fortuitous events, plus valuable assistance from David Tourison, we eventually heard from LeRoy (Lee Schappell).

Not only does Lee answer my long-standing Cameo label question, but he reminisces fondly about the ups and downs typical of a teenage band pursuing their passion:

LEROY and His Rockin' Fellers recorded both sides of Cameo 194 in the Spring of 1961: “River Nile” and “The Unfinished Fifth.”

I played lead guitar; George Biddle played rhythm guitar; Bill Dougherty was our drummer, and Ken Hipple played alto sax.

Our manager, Jimmy Myers (a.k.a. Jimmy DeKnight), previously managed Bill Haley and His Comets, but we unfortunately entered the picture a few years too late to be a part of that scene.

As for the record, Cameo only pressed them with black-and-white labels, ones customarily made for dee jays and promotional purposes. Ours were indeed used as promos, but because they were not marked as “For Promotional Use Only” Cameo also distributed them to retail stores.

We never knew how many they pressed, but none had Cameo's normal black-and-red commercial label. We soon learned why.

“River Nile” got decent exposure in eastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey, and Delaware. We did a lot of radio station events and record hops to promote our record.

Regrettably, we never got a cent from Cameo-Parkway. When royalties were due, they said “no records were sold.”

Here's the catch: black-and-white issues never earned royalties because they were supposed to be used only for promotion, and since Cameo didn't make any with red-and-black labels, they claimed no sales for them and no royalties for us.

We were just 17, and excited beyond description. We trusted far too much and in the end got squat. In that regard, we were neither the first band nor the last.

“River Nile” did make the charts on a few radio stations in the area, including WMLP (Milton-Lewisburg, Pa.); WRAW (Reading, Pa.); and WAMS (Wilmington, Del.). Seems it was a dee jay favorite when they needed music to fill in until “news at the top of the hour.” They preferred instrumentals for this purpose because, unlike vocals, they can be faded-out when necessary.

We also appeared live on a Bandstand-type show on WNEP-TV in northeastern Pa.

Overall, it was a real blast for four kids fresh from 11 years in a boys' home. Suddenly we were on the road for that whole summer, playing rock and roll. We were living the “American Graffiti” life. What wonderful innocence!
— Lee Schappell, Reading, Pa.

IZ ZAT SO? So where are His Rockin' Fellers now? LeRoy knows:

“I believe Bill is still in North Philly, probably retired by now; George builds and repairs boats in Marina Del Rey, Calif.; Ken is probably somewhere in Florida; and I'm still here in Reading. Now I'm with the New Earth Band, making rough-cut, organic country gospel music.

“Oh yes, Cameo's studio bassist laid down the bottom on our sessions because our bassist, Ted Wolff, headed west. I have not seen Dr. Wolff in 45 years, but I know he is a college professor.”

In 1999, Tom Loftus quietly released the Misfires' Dead End Expressway on CD and vinyl. Over 11 years and 52 releases later, Modern Radio Records is still rolling, with 45 of those 52 releases still in print.

The industry has changed since the label first started. Major labels have lost status, CDs are becoming relics, and music sales as a whole have tumbled, but Loftus and label partner Peter Mielech have only made Modern Radio stronger.

PANIC! AT THE DISCO have unveiled the cover art for their March 29th release of VICES & VIRTUES.

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Steve Miller Band Announce First Austin City Limits Taping

Austin City Limits recently announced the first taping in its new state-of-the-art home at The Moody Theater with a special performance by Steve Miller Band including material from his soon-to-be-released new Blues Rock album 'Let Your Hair Down.' Preceding the taping there will be a free party with music, events and more in downtown Austin on Saturday, February 26, from 3 to 8 p.m. sponsored in part by Cirrus Logic, The 2nd Street District and The Moody Foundation.

“This is a dream come true for ACL – a new home in downtown Austin that will be an amazing world-class music venue and studio soundstage combined,” said Austin City Limits Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “After 36 years, we have big plans for the future, and that future begins on February 26th. The best is yet to come!”

Lauded rock guitarist Steve Miller and his band (Roadrunner/Loud & Proud) have been inspiring fans for more than four decades with Miller’s unique brand of rousing American rock ‘n’ roll. His catalog includes 17 studio albums and multiple hit singles including “The Joker,” “Take The Money and Run,” “Jet Airliner,” “Abracadabra” and more.

To help celebrate this iconic singer, ACL will be giving away a limited number of Space Available tickets to this taping. Click on this link below to enter your name and email address here by noon Friday, February 18. Recipients will receive 2 tickets each and be chosen at random. (Please be in Austin or the surrounding community).

Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters Devolved will release their new full-length album, 'Oblivion,' on May 24 via Unique Leader Records. According to a press release, the effort will contain "10 songs of unrelenting modern metal which combines uncompromising intensity, chaotic timing signitures, insane musicianship and a futuristic soundscape blended to create an epic and totally crushing listening experience from start to stop!

MIKE TRAMP & THE ROCK 'N' ROLL CIRCUZ, the new project led by WHITE LION singer Mike Tramp, will release its second album, "Stand Your Ground", on March 28. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Gotta Get Away", "Alright By Me" and "Don't Let Them Put It On You". The album's cover artwork was created by Karsten Sand.

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Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn and Alison Krauss Working on New Don Henley Album

Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn has said that he is singing on the new Don Henley country-flavored album.

“Sang on the new Don Henley record, Friday. Don, Allison Krauss and my unqualified self. I was in WAY over my head in that talent pool. Hope it came off to good. Also, Stan Lynch (Google that name...) another hero, was involved. Lucky me!,” Dunn wrote on Facebook.

In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on watch is 10:10. Or is it ten to two?

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

In 1956 - Buddy Holly made his first recordings for Decca. Backing Buddy on four songs are Grady Martin on guitar and Doug Kirkham on drums.

In 1962, Bishop Burke of the Buffalo, New York Catholic Diocese bans the Twist, in any form, from all of his school's functions.

In 1970 - John Lennon wrote and recorded "Instant Karma."

Ringo Starr went to #1 on the Billboard singles chart in 1974 with his version of Johnny Burnette's 1960 #8 hit "Your Sixteen". The track featured Paul McCartney on kazoo and Harry Nilsson on background vocals.

In 1984 - Michael Jackson was hospitalized with burns to his scalp after his hair catches fire while shooting a Pepsi commercial.

And in 1999, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that John Denver died in a 1997 airplane crash because he took off with too little fuel in one tank, had trouble switching to his backup tank and inadvertently put his plane into a roll while his attention was diverted.